SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates Program Manager, the Youth Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, recruiting and instructing participants deemed to have dropped out of school prior to attaining a high school diploma or GED. Deliver curriculum and ensures JMG Out-of-School Model participants complete programming and successfully transition to career and/or post-secondary education priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Responsible for teaching participants in a classroom setting. Uses teaching techniques to provide work-based learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities. Provides appropriate curriculum and ensures participants specific JMG competencies through classroom instruction; teaches by using a variety of methods including lectures, hands-on activities, and team teaching.

2. Organizes, creates, and implements new projects while evaluating and improving the existing services.

3. Ensures an appropriate pool of participants through direct recruitment, and obtaining referrals from community partners to include school districts, local law enforcement, judicial system, and social services agencies; holds interviews with prospective candidates and those making referrals to determine, using JMG Out-of-School guidelines, the appropriateness of the prospective participant for the program.

4. Responsible for 12 months of follow up services for past participants and employer outreach.

5. Monitors, evaluates, and records program activities and program effectiveness.

6. Participates in staff, regional, and state-wide meetings and staff development activities.

7. Mentors youth by providing assessments, job leads, advice, direction, structure, and support.

8. Responsible for job development (in partnership with Michigan Works! business teams), transition into employment, and retention.

9. Enter and track the number of students served, services delivered, and outcomes achieved in both Electronic National Data Management System (e-NDMS), One Stop Management Operation System (OSMIS) and other data systems.

10. Integrates students into the Michigan Works! System to maximize resources available to them. All other duties as assigned.

11. Advocates for the program and develops a pool of effective community support resources by working with employers, parents, civic groups, school districts, social services agencies, law enforcement, judicial system, and legislators to build awareness of and support for the program; develops job opportunities, participates in public relations activities, attends meetings and speaks to various community groups.

12. Builds appreciation for teamwork, sense of belonging, and commitment to community service among JMG participants by organizing and serving as advisor to a JMG Career Association; creates training opportunities through hands-on activities, film presentations, guest speakers, and workshops; assists with civic and social opportunities.

13. Administers testing programs including pre/post-tests and career interest surveys. Establishes and implements a career development plan for all enrolled participants.

14. Establishes an Advisory Committee consisting of key strategic partners to assist with participant selection and delivery of services; meet with Advisory Committee as needed to ensure successful program outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily:

1. Experience working with youth accompanied by knowledge of youth development issues and resiliency strategies.

2. Skills in human relations, leadership, supervision, and motivational techniques.

3. Ability to work 12 months per year.

4. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

5. Ability to establish the appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with participants.

6. Ability to educate a variety of constituencies and interested parties about the program by developing ongoing relationships and making formal presentations.

7. Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities consistent with the JMG Model.

8. Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and ability to properly manage social media accounts.

Bachelor’s degree in social service, counseling, business, education, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience may be considered. Experience working in both private sector and education or social services is preferred. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, and walking

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. Moderate noise.

LICENSES: Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License – Position requires field work.

OTHER: Background check and drug screen required.